About
Belonging – noun: to feel safe, happy or comfortable in a place, situation or group because you are welcome and accepted.
Belonging – noun: a possession.
How can we, as a sector, foster inclusion and belonging? How do we build empathy and understanding in our communities? How can arts, culture and heritage bridge divides and bring people together?
Museums and galleries are dynamic culture hubs in our communities that tell stories and create meaningful experiences about who we are, where we live, our pasts and futures. As trusted organisations, museums and galleries are able to navigate complex societal issues and actively engage our audiences in important conversations about the world in which we live through exhibitions, education programs, and public outreach.
From 9-11 October, M&G QLD’s 2024 Conference explored what it means to belong in all its many facets. We examined how museums and galleries are embracing inclusivity and working with artists, collections, industry leaders and communities to drive positive change into areas of accessibility, diversity and equity. We also unpacked the real or perceived disparities that exist in society and how we, as a sector, can work smarter to overcome these and be truly inclusive and equitable cultural spaces that enrich, shape and benefit our communities.
M&G QLD’s 2024 Conference was designed to share professional experience and innovative ideas, enhance knowledge and build industry networks.
We aimed to inspire delegates through the stimulating program of high-calibre keynote speakers, plenary sessions, workshops and masterclasses, and for them to take away actionable ideas to apply to their organisations.
Conference Outcome Report
M&G QLD 2024 Conference Outcome Report
To read about the outcomes of M&G QLD’s 2024 Conference, Belonging, including delegate feedback and to view photographs from this empowering industry event, download the report.
Speaker Presentations
Click the link below to view a selection of Speaker presentations from the Conference (more to come).
Conference Program
M&G QLD 2024 Conference Program
Download the Conference Program to read more about the keynote speakers, presentations, social activities and workshops.
Keynote Speakers
Regan Pro, Deputy Director of Public Programs and Social Impact at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, USA (pictured top row, left)
Dr Bianca Beetson, Director First Nations, Queensland Museum (pictured top row, centre, photo by Chloë Callistemon, courtesy of QAGOMA)
Associate Professor Janice Rieger Head of Architecture, Planning and Design at Griffith University (pictured top row, right)
Dr Jim Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Museum Network (pictured middle row, left)
Hugh O’Connor, Senior Exhibition Designer at Powerhouse Museum, NSW (pictured middle row, centre)
Morwenna Collett, Consultant, Morwenna Collett Consulting (pictured middle row, right, photo by Julia Loersch)
Dr Moya McFadzean, Senior Curator Migration & Cultural Diversity at Museums Victoria (pictured bottom row, left, photo courtesy of AMaGA)
Simon Elliott, Deputy Director, Collection and Exhibitions, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) (pictured bottom row, centre, courtesy of QAGOMA)
Dr Sari Rossi, Researcher, A New Approach (pictured bottom row, right)
Parallell Speakers
Alice-Anne McRobbie Angela Golding Caylie Jefferies & Kerrie Forsythe Chris Stannard Chrissy Dwyer Claire Sourgnes Claudia Little Desmond Crump & Robert McLellan Dr Bianca Beetson Dr Hope O’Chin Gill Nicol Jo Salt Jodi Ferrari Joe Hextall Kerryanne Farrer, Leigh Lynam & Emma Collerten Leanne Butterworth Michael Brennan Michael O’Neill Pia Robinson & Amy Wockner Rebecca McDuff & Dylan Sarra Sarah Barron, Sarah Empey & Janice Rieger Sarah Johnson Serene Fernando & Spohie Chapman Tracy Cooper-Lavery
Acknowledgements
The 2024 M&G QLD Conference could not happen without the generous support of our sponsors and funding partners. Thank you to the following supporters:
Principal sponsor
Conference partner
International keynote supporter
Skills development supporter
This activity is supported by the Community Heritage Grants program. The Community Heritage Grants program is funded by the Australian Government through the National Library of Australia; the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts; the National Archives of Australia; the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia and the National Museum of Australia.
Trade sponsor
Conference program sponsor
Coffee cart sponsor
Lanyard sponsor
Supporters
Venue supporters
Enquiries
Training & Professional Development
Museums & Galleries Queensland
